There was a beach party on Sunday night about 100 metres from where the bodies were found, according to local media.

Reports suggest that Ms Witheridge, who was originally from Great Yarmouth, and Mr Miller had met recently on the island.

Koh Tao

Small island covering 21 sq km north of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Gulf of Thailand

Population of about 2,100 and visited by between 400,000 and 500,000 travellers per year

Popular with backpackers and divers

Quieter and less developed than neighbouring islands which are known for nightlife and beach parties

The Foreign Office said in a statement: "We are aware of the death of two British nationals on 15 September on the island of Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand.

"The embassy are urgently seeking information from the local authorities and consular staff stand ready to provide assistance to friends and family at this tragic time."

Tourist destination

A spokeswoman for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in London said the incident was "out of character" for an island that was "much loved for its quaint atmosphere".

"We understand this is an isolated incident," she said.

"We have limited details on the circumstances at this time and are waiting for further information following the initial stages of the police investigation. Our thoughts and condolences are with the families and friends affected by the news."

Image copyrightAPImage caption
Police have cordoned off the scene

BBC south-east Asia correspondent Jonathan Head said the authorities were likely to move quickly to investigate the deaths to maintain confidence in a tourist industry which accounts for around a 10th of Thailand's GDP, and which has been hit hard by recent political turmoil.

Thailand attracts more than 850,000 British and Irish tourists each year.

Some 11 British nationals have been murdered in the country since 2009, according to the Foreign Office.

Official FCO advice warns that Western tourists have been victims of "vicious, unprovoked attacks by gangs" on the nearby island of Koh Phangan but there are no specific warnings for Koh Tao, which is a popular tourist destination.

TAT said Koh Tao and other beach destinations in Thailand remained safe for tourists.